Flint police Chief Alvern Lock and Public Safety Director Barnett Jones have issued a joint statement on the rash of shootings, saying police are working diligently on the respective investigations.

"The police department is working as hard as we can with the
resources available," the statement says. "This Illustrates the importance of the public safety plan."

Lock, Jones and emergency manager Michael Brown announced a public safety plan last month that includes reopening the Flint jail and a police patrol strategy that involves dividing the city into four patrol districts.

The public safety officials also said police need help from the community in providing tips and information that could lead to more arrests.

"Even though there's a need out there for more
officers, the community has to do its part too," said the statement, issued through Public Information Officer Jason Lorenz.